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Florian Illies

Love in a Time of Hate: Art and Passion in the Shadow of War, 1929-39

Love in a Time of Hate: Art and Passion in the Shadow of War, 1929-39

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In 1930s Europe, the great minds of the time are preoccupied with their love lives, but the book burning will soon begin. Love in a Time of Hate skillfully interweaves some of the greatest love stories of the 1930s with the darkening backdrop of fascism in Europe, in an irresistible journey into the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd


In the vibrant tapestry of 1930s Europe, as the Roaring Twenties bid farewell and the echoes of war grew louder, the minds of great thinkers were preoccupied with other matters. Amidst the social and political upheaval, Jean-Paul Sartre, the renowned philosopher, anxiously awaited his first date with the elusive Simone de Beauvoir in a Parisian café. Meanwhile, Marlene Dietrich, renowned for her captivating presence, found solace in the dimly lit dive bars of Berlin, escaping from her loveless marriage. The Mann family, consisting of Father Thomas and his son Klaus, grappled with the profound conflict of their homosexuality, a taboo subject of the time. And in a tender gesture, Vladimir Nabokov placed a freshly caught butterfly at the end of Verá's bed, symbolizing the delicate balance between love and the looming darkness of fascism. Little did these individuals realize, the book burning would soon commence, casting a shadow over their lives and the literary landscape of the era.

Love in a Time of Hate, a captivating work of literature, skillfully weaves together some of the most poignant love stories of the 1930s, creating a mesmerizing journey into the past that brings history and its characters to vibrant life. The novel intricately intertwines the narratives of these individuals, their struggles, and their enduring love amidst the backdrop of the growing menace of fascism in Europe. Through its pages, readers are transported to a world of passion, resilience, and the human spirit's enduring power in the face of adversity.

Jean-Paul Sartre, the philosophical giant, eagerly anticipated his first encounter with Simone de Beauvoir, a woman who had captured his imagination. The anticipation filled the air as he sat in the cozy café, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the buzz of conversation. However, as the minutes ticked by, Simone failed to arrive, leaving Jean-Paul feeling disappointed and disheartened. The disappointment was compounded by the fact that he had meticulously planned every detail of the date, hoping to make a lasting impression on the renowned feminist writer.

Marlene Dietrich, the iconic actress and singer, found herself trapped in a loveless marriage, longing for a sense of fulfillment and passion. She sought solace in the dimly lit dive bars of Berlin, where she could escape the suffocating expectations of society and be herself. The crowds around her were drawn to her magnetic presence, and she effortlessly commanded attention with her bold fashion choices and captivating performances. However, behind the glitz and glamour, Marlene carried the weight of her unfulfilled love, a constant ache that gnawed at her soul.

The Mann family, consisting of Father Thomas and his son Klaus, faced a unique challenge in the 1930s: their homosexuality. The taboo subject of homosexuality was not only frowned upon by society but also illegal in many countries. Klaus, who had always felt a deep connection to his father, struggled to accept his sexuality and faced constant rejection and discrimination from those around him. Father Thomas, on the other hand, was torn between his love for his son and the societal pressures that demanded he conceal his true identity.

Vladimir Nabokov, the renowned Russian author, possessed a profound appreciation for the beauty of nature. In a tender gesture, he placed a freshly caught butterfly at the end of Verá's bed, a symbol of the delicate balance between love and the impending darkness. Nabokov's love for literature and art was intertwined with his deep reverence for the natural world, and he believed that art could transcend the boundaries of time and space and connect people on a profound level.

Little did these individuals know, the book burning would soon commence, casting a shadow over their lives and the literary landscape of the era. The rise of fascism in Europe, fueled by hatred and intolerance, saw the suppression of books and ideas that challenged the dominant narrative. The *****, led by Adolf ******, believed that literature and art were tools of propaganda that spread falsehoods and undermined the purity of the German race. As a result, thousands of books were burned in public bonfires, including works by renowned authors such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Marlene Dietrich, and Vladimir Nabokov.

The book burning not only erased the physical remnants of these works but also had a profound impact on the minds of the individuals involved. Jean-Paul Sartre, who had always been a staunch advocate for freedom of expression, was deeply saddened by the loss of his books. He saw the book burning as a direct attack on his intellectual and artistic freedom and a threat to the values he held dear. Marlene Dietrich, who had found solace in literature and art, felt a sense of loss and isolation as her favorite books were burned. She saw the book burning as a symbol of the repression and persecution that she and other artists faced in the 1930s.

Klaus Mann, who had struggled with his homosexuality for years, felt a sense of vindication and empowerment as his father's books were burned. He saw the book burning as a symbol of the hypocrisy and double standards of society that had condemned his father for his love while ignoring the same love in his own life. Vladimir Nabokov, who had placed the butterfly at Verá's bed as a symbol of love and hope, felt a deep sense of sadness and loss. He saw the book burning as a reminder of the fragility of human rights and the importance of standing up against oppression and tyranny.

In the aftermath of the book burning, the individuals involved found ways to cope with the loss and continue their artistic and intellectual pursuits. Jean-Paul Sartre, despite the setback, continued to write and advocate for freedom of expression. He published his most famous work, "Nausea," in 1938, which explored the depths of human suffering and the complexities of human relationships. Marlene Dietrich, who had always been a resilient and determined woman, found new ways to express herself through her acting and singing. She starred in several critically acclaimed films, including "The Blue Angel" and "M," and continued to be a symbol of glamour and independence. Klaus Mann, who had faced discrimination and rejection for his homosexuality, found solace in his writing. He published several novels and short stories that explored the complexities of human sexuality and the struggles of marginalized individuals. Vladimir Nabokov, who had placed the butterfly at Verá's bed as a symbol of love and hope, continued to write and explore the depths of human consciousness. He published his most famous work, "Lolita," in 1955, which has become a classic of modern literature.

The book burning of the 1930s was a dark chapter in history, a reminder of the dangers of censorship and the importance of protecting freedom of expression. However, it also served as a catalyst for the individuals involved to continue their artistic and intellectual pursuits, and their contributions to literature and art have left an indelible mark on the world. Love in a Time of Hate, a novel that weaves together the love stories of these individuals amidst the backdrop of fascism, is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that love, even in the darkest of times, can inspire and transform, and that the power of literature and art can transcend the boundaries of time and space.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800811164
Edition number: Main

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